D E V I A N C E

DEFINITION
THEORIES
EXAMPLES
 DEFINITION

Deviance is any behavior that violates

social norms, and is usually of sufficient
severity to warrant disapproval from the
majority of society. Deviance can be criminal
or non‐criminal. People who engage in
deviant behavior are referred to

as deviants.
The concept of deviance is complex because norms vary considerably
across groups, times, and places. In other words, what one group may
consider acceptable, another may consider deviant. 
 THEORIES
A number of theories related to deviance and criminology have
emerged within the past 50 years or so.

1. Differential-association Theory
2. Anomie Theory
3. Control Theory
4. Labeling Theory
 DIFFERENTIAL-ASSOCIATION
THEORY

Edwin Sutherland coined the phrase differential association to address the issue of how

people learn deviance.
According to this theory, the environment plays a major role in deciding which norms
people learn to violate. Specifically, people within a particular reference group provide
norms of conformity and deviance, and thus heavily influence the way other people look
at the world, including how they react. 

People learn criminal behavior, like other behaviors, from their interactions with others,
especially in intimate groups.

“Association with deviants

promotes deviation”
 ANOMIE THEORY

Anomie refers to the confusion that arises when social norms conflict or don't even exist.
In the 1960s, Robert Merton used the term to describe the differences between socially
accepted goals and the availability of means to achieve those goals.

Those who find the “road to riches” closed to them experience anomie, because an
obstacle has thwarted their pursuit of a socially approved goal. When this happens, these
individuals may employ deviant behaviors to attain their goals, retaliate against society,
or merely “make a point.”
 CONTROL THEORY

According to Walter Reckless's control theory, both inner and outer controls work
against deviant tendencies. People may want—at least some of the time—to act in deviant
ways, but most do not. They have various restraints: internal controls, such as conscience,
values, integrity, morality, and the desire to be a “good person”; and outer controls, such
as police, family, friends, and religious authorities.

Travis Hirschi noted that these inner and outer restraints form a person's self‐control,
which prevents acting against social norms. The key to developing self ‐control is proper
socialization, especially early in childhood. Children who lack this self ‐control, then, may
grow up to commit crimes and other deviant behaviors.
 LABELING THEORY

A type of symbolic interaction, labeling theory concerns the meanings people

derive from one another's labels, symbols, actions, and reactions. This theory
holds that behaviors are deviant only when society labels them as deviant.
Labeling theory questions who applies what label to whom, why they do this, and
what happens as a result of this labeling.
Powerful individuals within society—politicians, judges, police officers, medical doctors,
and so forth—typically impose the most significant labels. Labeled persons may include
drug addicts, alcoholics, criminals, delinquents, prostitutes, sex offenders, retarded people,
and psychiatric patients, to mention a few. The consequences of being labeled as deviant
can be far‐reaching.

Unfortunately, people who accept the labeling of others—be it correct or incorrect—have

a difficult time changing their opinions of the labeled person, even in light of evidence to
the contrary.
Social Functions of Deviance
• Reinforces the sense of community and the belief in shared values.
• Deviance can help prompt social change by identifying problem
areas.
• When large numbers of people violate a particular norm it is often
an indication that something in society needs to be changed.
• Minor acts of deviance serve as a safety valve.
• These acts relieve tension without disrupting the basic fabric of
society.
• Deviance provides jobs for many people.
Lawyers, Judges, Police Officers, Prison Personnel, Parole
Officers, Criminologists, etc…
 EXAMPLES

NOT all norm violations are considered deviant

 MUSLIMS
FAMILY LIFE
Having a big family is a compliment to Muslim people.
GENDER AND SEGREGATION
Physical contact between members of the opposite sex is strongly discouraged, although these rules
are relaxed somewhat if medical treatment is required.

MARRIAGE
Consanguinity (intermarriage) is particularly common in Muslims of south Asian and Arab origin.
SEX AND CONTRACEPTION
In keeping with orthodox Judeo-Christian teaching, homosexuality is considered sinful.
MENSTRUATION
While menstruating, women are exempt from some of the important religious rites, such as ritual
prayer, fasting, and Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca). Sexual intercourse is also prohibited at such
times.

FEMALE GENITAL TRACT MUTILATION

Female genital tract mutilation is a practice that is carried out in many regions of the world,
including some Muslim countries. Female genital mutilation is currently illegal in many countries,
including Britain. The procedure has different forms and is typically done at the age of 6 or 7
years. Traditionally, a local midwife performs a deinfibulation immediately after marriage, thus
allowing consummation to occur.
Philippines
• Urinating in public. Filipinos just don’t find it as distasteful as Westerners. Just
nature calling. Understandable.

• Procrastination is mostly seen in Filipinos, a habit not exclusive to Filipinos alone

but in fact, it is an epidemic condition that knows no boundaries.
America
• Feed babies with formula (breastfeeding appears to be less common)

• Saying "sorry" too much is bad but women are allowed to say "sorry" a lot
more than men. 

• Most Americans tend to pursue you to something and if you refuse the first
offer, they’ll not going to pursue you again.
KOREA
• When entering a Korean home, you must remove your shoes. To do any less is a sign
of great disrespect. Koreans have a special relationship with their floor, on which they
sit and often sleep. A dirty floor is intolerable in a Korean home, and they view
Westerners as backward savages for remaining shod in our living rooms.

• Koreans have strict drinking etiquette: never pour your own drink, and when pouring
for someone older than you, put one hand to your heart or your pouring arm as a sign
of respect.

• It is norm to not to apologize when they accidently push or jostle other people in
public places (Koo, 1992).
• Pouring you own glass is considered rude.
It is customary in the US (and many other countries in the world) to serve others
before you serve yourself, but in Japan you are never supposed to pour yourself a drink. If
you have poured for others, another guest will hopefully see that your drink is empty and
pour for you. You must also always wait for someone to say "Kanpai" (cheers) before
drinking.

• Slurping noodles is not only seen as polite — but it also means you have enjoyed
your meal.
Slurping is considered polite in Japan because it shows that you are enjoying your
delicious noodles — in fact, if you don't eat loudly enough, it can be mistaken as you not
enjoying your food. Slurping noodles is not entirely for the sake of politeness, but also to
avoid having a burnt tongue. Japanese soup and noodles are generally served steaming
hot — hot enough to burn — and slurping helps to cool down the food. But unlike in
some other Asian nations, it is still considered rude to belch at the table.

• Sleeping in capsule hotels in rooms barely bigger than a coffin is very common.
• A Korean marriage does not mean the union of two individuals only, but also the
unification of two families and two different lifestyles. Matchmaking with the help of
matchmakers, wedding parade on a pony, bowing to the members of family, couple
drinking from the same cup and bridal procession are major rituals of a traditional Korean
marriage.

• Personal space is considered very important in Korean culture, and Koreans don’t break
each other’s personal space unless they are very intimate. Around 1 miter length is
considered to be a norm. It is recommended not to touch during conversation. It is also
norm not to hug when greeting people. Koreans just have hand shaking or bow. Most of the
times, greeting involves hugging is allowed only between families, spouses, a couple in a
relationship. Hugging is not norm in Korea.
JAPAN
• No. 4 is avoided at all cost.
In Japan, the number "four" is avoided because it sounds very similar to the word for death. In the
same vein as No. 13 in Western culture, No. 4 is extremely unlucky and is used as little as possible.
You must always avoid giving anyone something in fours because it can be seen as a very ominous gift.
The practice of avoiding No. 4 is called “Tetra phobia," and it is common in many East Asian and
Southeast Asian regions.

• Blowing your nose in public is considered rude.

Blowing your nose in public is seen as not only rude, but simply disgusting. Instead people will
generally sniffle until they find somewhere private. If you simply must blow your nose, it is
recommended that you do so as discreetly as possible. The Japanese are also repelled by the idea of a
handkerchief.

• Tipping can be seen as insulting.

Tipping is considered rude — and can even be seen as degrading. Tipping will often cause
confusion, and many people will chase after you to give you back your money. If someone has been
particularly helpful and you feel absolutely compelled to leave a tip, rough guides suggests leaving a
small present instead.

• Walking and eating is seen as sloppy.

Although walking and eating is often convenient and widely accepted in many Western cultures,
the practice is looked down upon in Japan. Many also consider it rude to eat in public or on the trains.
There are just a few exceptions to this rule, including the fact that it is OK to eat an ice cream on the
street.
• There are designated people who will push you into a crowded subway car.
Oshiya, or "pushers," wear uniforms, white gloves, and hats and literally push people into
crowded subway cars during rush hour. They are paid to make sure everybody gets in and doesn't get
caught in the doors.

• People will sleep on the trains with their head on your shoulder.
If someone in Japan falls asleep with his or her head on you shoulder, it is common practice to
just tolerate it. People have very long commutes and work dreadfully long hours, so many will often
fall asleep on the train.

• You must always bring a host a gift.

It is an honor in Japan to be invited to someone’s home, and if this happens, you must always
bring a gift. The gift should also be wrapped in the most elaborate way possible, and lots of fancy
ribbons are suggested. You should also never refuse a gift once offered — but it is good practice to
strongly protest the gift at first.